Principal Java Engineering Lead (FTE / Hybrid)

Req ID: 390363 

NTT DATA strives to hire exceptional, innovative and passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you want to be part of an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking organization, apply now.

We are currently seeking a Principal Java Engineering Lead (FTE / Hybrid) to join our team in San Leandro, California (US-CA), United States (US).

Position Summary

The Principal Engineer provides hands-on technical leadership for the design, development, integration, and operationalization of enterprise software platforms, with primary emphasis on Java Full Stack engineering, API and microservices architecture, cloud-native development, and modern DevSecOps practices. This role also drives the adoption of Generative AI and AI-assisted engineering capabilities across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), serving as a technical leader for innovation while ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture, security, compliance, and operational standards.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineer and architect with deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, microservices, cloud platforms, CI/CD, and modern application development frameworks. Additionally, the candidate should possess experience integrating AI-powered developer productivity tools, automation platforms, and emerging AI engineering capabilities to enhance software delivery, quality, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Java Full Stack Architecture & Engineering Leadership

• Lead the design, development, testing, deployment, and support of enterprise-scale Java Full Stack applications, APIs, and microservices.
• Architect and implement scalable, secure, resilient, and high-performing solutions using Java/J2EE, Spring Boot, Spring Framework, and cloud-native technologies.
• Define and enforce engineering standards, coding practices, reusable frameworks, reference architectures, and implementation patterns.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, estimate work, refine user stories, and translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Design and develop RESTful APIs, service integrations, and enterprise application interfaces.
• Partner with front-end teams to deliver seamless integration between user interfaces and backend services.
• Ensure API design follows industry best practices, including documentation, governance, security, versioning, monitoring, and observability.
• Lead architecture reviews, technical design sessions, solution validation, and production readiness activities.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across development teams.

Application Development & Delivery

• Develop, test, deploy, and maintain enterprise applications using Java 8+, Spring Boot, Spring Batch, and microservices architecture.
• Design and implement microservice patterns including API gateways, service discovery, configuration management, and distributed system integrations.
• Build integrations using messaging and event-driven platforms such as Kafka, RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ, or AMQP.
• Develop innovative and reusable software components that improve development efficiency and maintainability.
• Troubleshoot complex production issues and drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage code quality, security, and technical debt through automated testing and code review practices.

AI Engineering & Developer Productivity Enablement

• Support the adoption and integration of Generative AI, AI-assisted software engineering tools, and developer productivity platforms across the SDLC.
• Evaluate and implement AI-enabled engineering capabilities that improve quality, productivity, testing, documentation, and delivery outcomes.
• Help define enterprise integration patterns for AI engineering tools, APIs, agent-based automation platforms, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) services.
• Collaborate with architecture, platform engineering, security, and development teams to operationalize AI-enabled workflows.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI technologies for automation, code generation, testing acceleration, documentation, and engineering efficiency.
• Ensure AI-enabled solutions align with enterprise security, governance, compliance, and risk management requirements.

Quality Engineering, Security & Governance

• Champion Test-Driven Development (TDD), automated testing, and quality-first engineering practices.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, functional, performance, and end-to-end test strategies.
• Utilize tools and frameworks including JUnit, Mockito, Cucumber, Test API, FitNesse, Protractor, and related testing platforms.
• Implement secure coding standards and ensure compliance with enterprise security policies.
• Drive security integration across the SDLC through code scanning, vulnerability management, and software supply chain governance.
• Partner with cybersecurity, risk, compliance, and operations teams to ensure production-ready solutions.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as a trusted technical advisor to engineering leadership, architects, product teams, and business stakeholders.
• Influence enterprise technology strategy, modernization initiatives, architecture standards, and engineering best practices.
• Facilitate architecture discussions and drive alignment across development, operations, infrastructure, security, and governance teams.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, risks, architecture decisions, and recommendations to both technical and executive audiences.
• Mentor senior engineers and contribute to engineering communities of practice.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, application architecture, and enterprise application development.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience designing and developing RESTful APIs and microservices using Java/J2EE and Spring technologies.
• Deep expertise in:
• Java 8+ / J2EE
• Spring Boot, Spring Framework, Spring Batch
• REST API development and integration
• Microservices architecture
• SQL and relational databases
• Cloud-native application development
• Strong experience with API lifecycle management, API gateways, Swagger/OpenAPI documentation, and service integration.
• Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform environments.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies including Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices.
• Expertise with Git, Jira, Jenkins, SonarQube, Fortify, Black Duck, and related engineering tools.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, event-driven architectures, and messaging platforms such as Kafka, RabbitMQ, AMQP, or ActiveMQ.
• Experience working in Agile and Scrum environments.
• Strong problem-solving, architectural design, and technical leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AWS EKS, Apigee/API Gateway, OAuth2, TLS/mTLS, API security, and enterprise integration patterns.
• Experience with Oracle, DB2, Cassandra, or other enterprise database platforms.
• Knowledge of Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), AI-powered developer tools, and AI-assisted software engineering platforms.
• Experience integrating AI coding assistants, autonomous software engineering agents, or AI-enabled developer productivity solutions.
• Familiarity with Model Context Protocol (MCP), agent orchestration frameworks, and enterprise AI architecture patterns.
• Experience with observability and monitoring platforms such as Splunk, AppDynamics, and related operations tools.
• Experience delivering technology solutions within highly regulated enterprise environments.
• Proven ability to define enterprise standards, reusable frameworks, architecture patterns, and modernization roadmaps.
• Excellent communication, executive presentation, stakeholder management, and mentoring skills.

NTT DATA provides a reasonable range of compensation for U.S.-based positions. The starting pay range for this role is $128,344.00 - $213,906.00. Actual compensation will depend on a number of factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, technical skills, and other qualifications.

This position may also be eligible for incentive compensation based on individual and/or company performance. 

This position is eligible for company benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance with an employer contribution, flexible spending or health savings account, life and AD\&D insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program with company match, and additional voluntary or legally-required benefits.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30 billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. our consulting and Industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.

Whenever possible, we hire locally to NTT DATA offices or client sites. This ensures we can provide timely and effective support tailored to each client’s needs. While many positions offer remote or hybrid work options, these arrangements are subject to change based on client requirements. For employees near an NTT DATA office or client site, in-office attendance may be required for meetings or events, depending on business needs. At NTT DATA, we are committed to staying flexible and meeting the evolving needs of both our clients and employees. NTT DATA recruiters will never ask for payment or banking information and will only use @nttdata.com, @nttdatafed.com and @talent.nttdataservices.com email addresses. If you are requested to provide payment or disclose banking information, please submit a contact us form, https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us.

NTT DATA endeavors to make https://us.nttdata.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. NTT DATA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here. For Pay Transparency information, please click here.